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Phytoplankton’s threat to European seas

In light of June 8, World Ocean Day, it’s essential to acknowledge the significance of phytoplankton. These microscopic marine plants, visible through measurements of chlorophyll concentration, produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, aiding in climate regulation. However, they are susceptible to alterations in sea temperature and chemistry due to climate change.

Algal blooms, caused by excessive nutrients from human activities, pose ecological challenges in Europe’s seas

A major environmental issue in Europe’s seas is eutrophication, which leads to “dead zones”. Specifically in the Baltic and parts of the North Sea, nutrient overload, typically caused by pollution, results in harmful algal blooms. The decomposition of these blooms reduces oxygen levels, causing hypoxic conditions that negatively affect marine life.

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